USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska > Part 62
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Mr. Harris is a shrewd, far-seeing man, of a keen and resolute nuture, and of more than ordinary capacity, which places him among the leading citi- zens in public and social affairs. In 1867 he was elected Assessor for one year for Lancaster Pre- einct, which office he held altogether sixteen years, discharging its duties efficiently and with dne re- gard to the interests of his fellow-citizens. He is a charter member of the F. & A. M., No. 19, and is also the oldest initiated member of Capitol Lodge No. 11, I. O. O. F .; he is likewise a member of the En- eampment of Odd Fellows, and of Farragut Post
No. 25, G. A. R., Lincoln. In politics Mr. Harris has emphatically placed himself on record as a Pro- tectionist, and he firmly supports the principles of the Republican party as applied to national affairs, but in local matters he is independent, voting for whom he considers the best man, irrespective of party.
NDREW MODIVITT. The homestead of this gentleman forms one of the most attractive spots in the landscape of Grant Precinct, and embraces 240 acres of finely cultivated land on section 1. The hand of thrift and industry is everywhere apparent, from the neat and substantial buiklings to the fertile fields, which are neatly laid off with well-kept fences, while the farm stock is of excellent grades and the machinery for carrying on agriculture after the most approved pattern. It is evident that the owner of this prop- erty has the true conception of what rural life should be, and presents in the result of his labors a phase of it in its most attractive form.
Andrew MeDivitt, Sr., the father of our subject, was, it is supposed, of English ancestry, and was born near Steubenville, Ohio. Ile married Miss Eliza Corkhill, who was born on the Isle of Man, and came to the United States in her youth. After marriage they turned their faces to the farther West, and crossing the Mississippi settled in Henry County, Iowa, among its earliest pioneers. The father built up a good homestead from an uneulti- vated tract of land, and there spent the remainder of his days, his death taking place in 1872. The mother still survives, and is living with her children at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
The parental household of our subject included five children, all of whom are living, and residents of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. Andrew was the fourth in order of birth, and first opened his eyes to the light in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Feb), 23, 1853. His early life was spent. in his native county of Henry, mostly on a farm, while he studied first in the common school, and completed his edu- cation in the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mt. Pleasant, where he was a student two years. Upon laying aside his books. like the sensible yonth that
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he was, having no foolish city longings, he returned to the farm pursuits in which he had been reared, and carried on agriculture in his native county until the spring of 1880.
Our subject now resolved upon a change of loca- tion, and coming to Otoe County, this State, pur- chased a quarter-section of land, where he lived until selling out, in 1882, and taking up his resi- dence at his present homestead. IIere he has ef- fected many of the improvements which the passing traveler now looks upon with admiration. He makes a specialty of stock-raising. and has been uni- formly successful as the result of his long experi- ence and thorough knowledge of his calling.
Our subject sought for his wife one of the most attractive maidens of his native county, Miss Eliza- beth Fullerton, to whom he was married in Mt. Pleasant, Jan. 31, 1878. Mrs. McDivitt is the daughter of William and Margaretta (Lamb) Ful- lerton, who were natives of Ohio. The mother died in Mt. Pleasant about 1878. Mr. Fullerton is still living, and is a resident of Lincoln, this county. Mrs. McD. was born in Warren County, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1854, and came with her parents to Iowa in 1869. Of her union with our subject there have been born three bright children : Will- iam E., Jan. 19, 1879; Frank K., Nov. 17, 1881, and Charles F., Aug. 17, 1883. Our subject votes the straight Republican ticket upon all occasions, and, with his estimable wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the support and maintenance of which they are cheerful and liberal contributors. Their home is noticeable at once as the abode of culture and intelligence, and they enjoy the society and friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
OSIIUA II. BUEL. Among the old settlers of Centerville Precinct, whose work upon his own property and in behalf of the precinct and county so far as opportunity has offered for the same, and whose own personal character and financial success require some notice in order to have anything like a complete history of the pre- cinet, is the subject of the present sketch, whose well-tilled and fertile farm is situated on section 28.
Mr. Buel is a native of Licking County, Ohio, and reckons the years of his life from the 14th of November, 1843. His parents, Joshua and Lucy Buel, were natives of New York State, and were members of a family not unknown in the history of the Eastern colonies in the pre-Revolutionary era. On his father's side the ancestry were English. His great-grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, and his son, the father of our subject, went through the War of 1812. The family of which our subject was a member comprised ten children, besides the father and mother. The names of those living are as follows: Mary, living in California, is now Mrs. M. Ilarker; Lucy, the wife of J. B. Johnson, of Lincoln; Edwin, living in Licking County, Ohio; Joshua, our subject; and Minson P., of Chicago.
Our subject was reared to manhood in his native State and county. IIis education was more ex- tended than usually obtained by young men of that seetion in those days. After completing the course of the common school he attended and graduated from an academy, and in 1861 was a graduate of Hiram College, Ohio, the same institution in whichi the martyred Presideut, James A. Garfield, was first a student and afterward professor and President. Our subject for about six months received his in- struction from Mr. Garfield, who has always been remembered more on account of his qualifications as a teacher, the sympathy, interest and friendship extended by him to his students, than on account of any political reminiscence.
After leaving the above institution our subject was engaged in farming and stock-raising, and these have been the business of his life. linked necessarily with that of stock-raising, stock dealing and ship- ping. In the spring of 1886 our subject came to Lancaster County, and settled upon the farm that is still his home. All the improvements which ap- pear in buildings or fields are the result of his thought and labor. The farm includes 272 acres of admirably situated arable land, and is cultivated upon the line of general farming and the provision of feed for his stock. IIe is the owner of a good herd of Short-horn cattle of nearly 100 head, and Highlander and Red Morgan horses.
The home of Mr. Buel was lacking in beauty and tone until the 28th of January, 1868, when he was
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united in marriage with Fanny Cake, a native of Knox County, Ohio. Their happiness has been in- creased and the bonds uniting them have been more firmly welded by the birth of nine children, of whom the following survive: Fred, Helen, Musa, Lucy, Joshua, Clare, Myrtle and Pearl. Mrs. Buel was born April 6, 1848, and was the daughter of Samuel and Ann Cake, both natives of Berks County, Pa. Her father was of German descent, and her mother of Scotch-Irish, thus forming an amalgam of the Teutonic, Gallic and Celtic races. She was the thirteenth child born to her parents, the family circle including thirteen children, of whom the following are now living: Sarah, wife of Il. K. Robinson, of Anderson County, Kan .; Susan, now Mrs. Chauncey, of Lincoln, Ark .; Jennie, who is married to Albert Hildreth, of Knox County, Ohio; Erastus, a Christian minister in Missouri; Ella, now Mrs. R. N. Smith, of Abilene, Kan. ; Anna, now Mrs. Graham, of Ohio; Howard, a farmer in Miami County, Kan., and Fanny, the wife of our subject.
In political matters our subject is loyal to the re- sponsibilities of citizenship, but is not prominent in official circles ; he is a devoted friend and admirer of the Republican party, is an advocate of social enterprise and good morals, and both as a man and citizen receives the unqualified esteem of his fellows.
L OUIS C. MEYER. In the northern part of the Empire of Germany, about seventy miles from the mouth of the River Elbe, there lies a city crowded with historic memories. At one time it was strongly fortified, and has with- stood the shock of assault and the lingering terrors of the siege. To-day the visitor to this city, Ilam- burg, finds upon the site of the old fortification a most pleasant drive after the style of the boulevard, with broad plank walks beautifully shaded. Around the old city has grown up a newer surrounding, the whole about four miles in circumference. To its ancient, but still sustained, reputation of learning must be added that of a manufacturing center of importance, and being. perhaps, one of the most
important of shipping points of Germany, it sus- tains a very extensive mercantile connection, and is a port for the North-German Lloyd trans- Atlan- tic, and Red Line Company steamers, also several other important steamship lines to all parts of the world.
In this city, Hamburg, was born Louis C. Meyer. His father, Henry Meyer, was born in 1800. He received a fair and practical education in the city schools. As a young man he married and set- tled in life. Louis C. Meyer, the subject of this sketch, was the second son of this gentleman. 1Ie was born May 11, 1836, and afterward attended the school of his native city, and continued in the same until he was fourteen years of age, when be was ap- prenticed to learn the trade of brush-maker, being articled to his uncle, whose residence is near the city. After a service of six years in his uncle's factory he determined to emigrate to America.
In 1856 our subject sailed via Bremen, and arrived in Baltimore seven weeks from the time he started. Bewildered by the strange experience of the preceding voyage, hardly recovered from the problem of perpetual motion, his confusion is by no means decreased by being thrust suddenly into the bewildering vortex of strangenesses in a strange city of a strange land. To this was added the diffi- culty of language, and the fact that he was still somewhat in debt for his passage. Ile was not of that class who face their difficulties backward; neither did he find a place among those whose method of facing difficulty is to sit down before them, with brooding and tears. lle was made of better stuff. Knowing he had to fight a battle he had counted the cost beforeband, and was not pre- pared to give up thus early in the campaign. With hope in his heart he set out for Wheeling, Va., hunted up some work, and kept at it until he had suffi- cient to carry him to Cincinnati, where he began to work at his trade, which he continued prosperously for twelve years.
The next home of our subject was Clayton County, Iowa, where, he established a brush factory, where for sixteen years prosperity was huis close friend. Time rolled along until the calendar marked the year 1885, when he removed to Malcolm and engaged in mercantile pursuits. After a short time
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he received the appointment of Postmaster, which position he has since held. His business is constantly increasing, and he is rapidly becoming one of the well-to-do citizens,
In May, 1858, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage with Anna Luebbe, a native of Germany, and after a happy union of twenty years she died in Clayton County, Iowa. In 1880 our subject con- tracted a second alliance, the lady being Augusta Pischke, likewise a native of Germany, but reared in this country. There are three children living by his first wife: Amelia, wife of James V. Will- man; Amanda and Alma. By the second two, Amy and Louisa. The family of our subject enjoy the esteem of the community, and he, also, both in commercial, political and social circles. Ilis politi- cal sentiments are Democratic.
C HARLES D. STEVENS. "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." Few realize the truth of this more than the pioneers of the Western Ter- ritories and States. With many the tide is at its lowest ebb in the genesis of their history and effort, but presently it turns, and if by intelligence they are enabled rightly to read the progress of that tide, and recognize its flood, then, boldly and with de- termined effort, push off their bark from the shore, keep its prow cutting the waves, heading for the more open waters, then they find themselves speed- ily, and almost before they are aware, across the bar of adverse circumstances, and pass lightly upon their voyage to ultimate success.
The above might serve to sum up in one parabolic sentence the history of our subjeet, one of Denton's prosperous farmers, whose property is situated on section 6, and comprises 160 acres of well-tilled land. Ile a native of Henry County, Iowa, where he was born Aug. 14, 1858. In his parents the star-spangled banner and the Canadian ensign met in kindred folds; the States and the Dominion clasped hands. The father was born in Ohio, the mother in Canada; the latter's maiden name was Elizabeth Cox.
Thomas E. Stevens, the father of our subject,
settled about the time of his marriage in Henry County, Iowa, at the time when settlers were just coming into the county. The story of his life there is that oft-told but always interesting one, the tale of the pioneer, in which we strip the country of its broad acres of grain, its pretty homes, churches, towns, railroads, and other recent innovations, and re-people it with the wild, uncouth creatures, or more graceful deer and antelope, in imagination rear again the tall forest trees, bringing them thickly together, until they are well-nigh impassable, hear again the ringing of the woodman's ax, the sharp report of the rifle, quickly followed by the baying of the hound, make our way down to the little log cabin, where the young, healthful, happy housewife is busy at her spinning-wheel or bustling about preparing the evening meal, peep down into the cradle with its precious little treasure, reposing in sweetest slumber, and, as we turn away, muse upon the unwritten history of its future, and ask ourselves the question, "What will he become?"
The union of the parents of our subject was richly enhanced by the birth of four children, two of whom are now living, our subject and his brother William T., an attorney-at-law, resident at Lincoln. The parents of our subject are both devout mem- hers of the Baptist Church, and find their chief de- light and prime enjoyment in a life which might be characterized by the words "doing good," for this seems to be their every desire, and their happiness is that of making others happy.
The environment of the early days and young manhood of our subject was that of his native State, and there he received the somewhat meager, though practical, education furnished by the common school. He was married, Sept. 10, 1879, to Josephine Par- riott, in Henry County, lowa, and found in his wife the one who could bring into his life and home those elements without which it would have been incomplete. This lady was born Oct. 1, 1859, in Des Moines County, Iowa, and is the daughter of Turner and Adeline Parriott, who were among the earliest pioneers of Des Moines County.
To Mr. and Mrs. Stevens has been given the happiness of a complete home. We are often met upon entering the house by the legend, beautifully engraved, artistically mounted, and suitably framed,
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"What is home without a mother?" We would rather amend it by saying. "What is home without the children?" Certainly they are all that would be required to complete many homes, and be the sal- vation of the domestic felicity, which, after strug- gling for an existence in the funily, is about ready to take to itself wings and fly away. The children of Mr. Stevens are: Ella L., born Feb. 28, 189) ; Addie, May 21, 1882; Emma L., July 8, 1884, and Charles T., April 10, 1886.
From Iowa our subject came to Saline County, in the fall of 1884, and the following spring settled upon his present farm in Lancaster County, where he has continued to reside. The 160 acres of land, which is cultivated to the highest condition of perfection in agriculture, owes its conversion from the state of nature to the intelligent, persistent labor and effort of our subject. The house and other buildings are also largely the work of his own hands, and likewise the improvements along the line of forestry and horticulture. Everywhere is visible the handiwork of the restless energy and excellent management of a master.
Politically, the loyalty and patriotie sentiment of our subject lead him to the associations of the Re- publican party, and by his compatriots he is es- teemed a sterling and true supporter and friend, and although not an office-holder, is as anxious for the success of his ticket as though he held all of them. Mr. Stevens is also one who always has time to consider any inclination to support whatever en- terprise or legitimate undertaking is advanced for the benefit of the surroundings, whether of the im- mediate vicinity, the county, or the State.
EMAN A. BABCOCK, State Anditor of Pub- lie Accounts, residing at No. 1304 J street, Lincoln, has long been prominently identi- fied with the public interests of Nebraska, whose growth and development he has greatly aided, and he may justly be considered one of her most able and trustworthy citizens. He is a native of Persia, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he was born May 19, 1842, to George C. and Almira R. (Brown) Babcock, who were natives of Madison
County, the same State. His father was born June 10, 1810, and his mother in 1812. Ilis father's principal business has been that of a farmer. lle is a man of varied talents and much capacity. Ile early displayed a love for books, and became a self- educated man, and for many years utilized his knowledge in teaching school. He also occupied the pulpit for many years as a minister in the Seventh- Day Baptist Church, and ranked among the ablest preachers of that denomination. In his day he also bore a prominent part in the political affairs of his community, and his judgment and opinion were often sought on weighty matters. In 1845 he re- moved from the Empire State to Wisconsin, where, in Rock County, he was extensively engaged in farming for several years. He is still living, though in feeble health, at the advanced age of seventy- eight years. He is surrounded by the loving care of numerous friends, and is calmly and quietly awaiting the summons that shall call him to a higher life. Ilis wife, a most estimable woman, beloved by all who knew her, was born in 1812, and passed away in 1870, at the age of fifty-eight years.
Four children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. George C. Babcock, namely : Oscar, Delia, Ellen and Ileman A. Oscar is a well-known and honored citizen of Valley County, Neb., whose people he ably represented in the State Legislature one term. He served as County Judge of Valley County for two years, and also as County Superin- tendent of Schools for a like period. He also took an active part in public affairs while a resident of Waushara County, Wis., serving as a Representa- tive in the State Legislature in 1864 and in 1866. He is considered one of the leading ministers in the Seventh-Day Baptist Church, and has occupied the pulpit for many years. He has been twice married, but both of his wives are now dead. The maiden name of his first wife was Metta A. Bristol; she died in October, 1872. His second wife was be- fore marriage Miss Hattie A. Payne. Delia is the wife of Ilenry C. Chase, a farmer of North Loup, Valley Co., Neb. ; Ellen died in infancy.
lleman A. Babcock was the youngest child of his father's family, and until he attained his majority assisted in the labors of the farm, and attended the publie schools, where he obtained a liberal educa-
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tion. He was reared in Wisconsin, having been but three years of age when his parents moved to that State. In 1860 he learned the art of photog. raphy, and was engaged at that very successfully until March, 1864. At that date he threw aside all personal aims in order to place himself among the brave defenders of our country, entering the serv- ice as a private in Company G. 37th Wisconsin Infantry. He was noted by his superiors to be an efficient and courageous soldier, and was rapidly promoted from the ranks, becoming Sergeant Major within a few months after his enlistment, and at the close of the war he had been commissioned First Lieutenant. He was in the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Grant, took an active part in the figlit bofore Petersburg, and was present when it was surrendered. After Lee surrendered he participated in the grand review at Washington, and remained in camp at Georgetown, near Washington, until July 27, when he was mustered out. The regiment was ordered to Madison, Wis., where final discharge took place Aug. 18, 1865.
Shortly after our subject was honorably dis- charged from the army he went to Linn County, Mo., and the following six years were passed on a farm, actively engaged in agriculture. In the spring of 1872 he came to Nebraska and took up a tract of 160 acres of land in Valley County, under the provisions of the Homestead Act. This he still owns, and has made it one of the finest farms in the county. His strength and stability of character, and rare business qualifications, soon brought him prominently before the public as a candidate for oflice, as the people saw in him a man whom they could safely trust with the affairs of the county. Hle took an active part in the organization of the county in March, 1873, and in the fall he was elected Sheriff of Valley County for a second term, holding that office for two years, and he made the first arrest that was ever made in the county. He filled the office of County Commissioner for three years, and in the fall of 1875 was elected County Clerk and ex-oflicio Clerk of the District Court, which offices be held for eight years, or until Jan. 1, 1884. In the fall of that year he was elected to his present position as State Auditor, and entered upon the duties of his new office Jan. 1, 1885, for a
term of two years. He was re-elected for the same position in the fall of 1886. In all these years as a civic officer, Mr. Babcock has displayed an unwavering devotion to his duties, which he has discharged with signal ability, and he has fully justified the confidence placed in him by his con- stituents, always showing himself to be a manly, upright and dignified man. In his political views he is a sound Republican. Socially, he is a mem- her of the I. O. O. F., having been connected with that organization for some five years. He is also identified with the G. A. R., as a charter member of Appomattox Post No. 214, of Lincoln.
Mr. Babcock was married, in 1862, to Miss Rettie O. Bristol. who was born in Kenosha County, Wis., in 1842. She is a daughter of the late Ira S. and Nancy H. (Warner) Bristol, natives of New York State. Her father died in February, 1886; he was a man of great worth, and was regarded as one of the shining lights of the Christian Church, being a respected minister of that denomination for many years. His beloved wife died July 4. 1885. Their marriage was blessed to them by the birth of seven children, namely : Catherine M., Marietta A., Cicero L., Lawrence I., Medora E., Rettie O. and Henry O. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock are the parents of two sons: Everett C., born June 27. 1863, now a book- keeper in his father's office, and Royal O., born Nov. 3,1874.
The portrait of this excellent citizen and trusted official is cheerfully given a place in this volume among those of other leading and representative men.
ENRY C. SPELLMAN. The thrifty Ger- man element of Highland Precinct finds a most worthy representative in this young and enterprising farmer, who owns and op- erates 240 acres of fertile land on section 13. Of this 120 acres are in a high state of cultivation, and the farm is supplied with good buildings, fairly stocked with horses, cattle and swine, while our subject has the necessary machinery for carrying on agriculture after the most approved methods.
Mr. Spellman became possessor of his property in 1878, at a time when a greater part of the
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land had been unbroken by the plowshare. The condition in which we find it to-day indicates the perseverance and industry with which he has labored, for he now has one of the best appointed farms in this section of the county. His birthplace was Seioto County, Ohio, and the date thereof Sept. 1, 1857. ITis father, Henry C. Spellman, who was of pure German ancestry. was born in the then little Kingdom of Hanover, and came to the United States wlien a young man unmarried. He took up his residence in Scioto County, Ohio, and there formed the acquaintance of Miss Elnora R. Reller, whose birth took place in the German Empire near the early home of her husband, and who came at an early age to the United States, settling in Scioto County, Ohio.
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